Asbestos Exposure Threatens Schools, Prisons

Several prisons and schools have been closed nationwide due to suspected asbestos contamination

, which has many concerned about the health and safety of the individuals who spent time within the contaminated walls.

Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer, as well as other dangerous health problems. Even the slightest exposure can have life-long and debilitating side effects far into the future. The initial exposure is often difficult to pin-point. Because mesothelioma and other health problems can take upwards of 30 to 40 years to manifest, protecting individuals from asbestos is necessary and vital.

An insurgence of mesothelioma lawsuits as occurred as more asbestos contaminants have been discovered in schools, prisons and other highly trafficked buildings, since mesothelioma and other side effects of asbestos are preventable.

The most recent school closure outside of Boulder, Colo. resulted in a school-wide evacuation and class cancellation until the risk could be evaluated. Niwot High School was undergoing a $20 million renovation when the suspected asbestos was found in the locker room.

Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of older buildings before it was outlawed, however it is often not discovered until costly renovations years later. Removal is a time-consuming and costly process that should only be conducted by a license professional to avoid exposure. Due to the expense, many school districts, including a school district in Ohio, have requested additional assistance to pay for the costs to remove the substance. Because many of these renovations are reliant on taxpayer approval, many of these costly projects are unable to find the additional funds necessary to remove the asbestos.

Demolition of asbestos-contaminated buildings can cause those involved to suffer from the after effects, as illustrated by the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Many lawsuits and health-related problems have been reported among the emergency personnel who responded, dubbing the side effects as the "World Trade Center Cough." Lung function has not improved for many of the EMTs and firefighters who responded, which has led many to believe that the toxic Ground Zero dust contained asbestos fibers and debris. It is clear that controlled asbestos removal is a vital precaution, although more research is needed to determine the life-long effects.

Luckily, many of the school and prison closures have been temporary, with limited if any exposure to students and staff. However, those who feel they have been exposed, or who have felt the side effects of asbestos exposure should contact a mesothelioma attorney to discuss the possibility of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

by: Katie Kelley

POST COMMENT

Registered Nursing Educational Requirements Kangaroo Kids Preschool Activity Center In Bangalore Bad Credit Education Loans- Study Without Taking Tensions Of Your Bills Set Up Non-academic Private School What To Expect When Attending Laser School Attending Laser Hair Removal Schools Our Kids, The Teachers Loans For Teachers: A Suitable Fiscal Source For Teachers Laser Hair Removal Schools: Choosing The Best Ones Should You Consider Going to a Laser Hair Removal School? Accredited On the web School Diploma and Monetary Assist Discover how educational toys help improve mental abilities of toddlers The Correct Martial Art School